10 Reasons Why You Should Grow Mint At Home And How To Do It

The family Lamiaceae is proud to have the Mint or Mentha plant in its rows. Even more so, there are about 13 to 18 varieties of mint altogether.

Mint has an intense smell and taste that many people find refreshing and pleasant. Also, mint provides cooling qualities and it is thus used in many cosmetic products, including: mouthwashes, ointments, toothpaste, bubble baths etc.

Mint is often used in the culinary world as well and it gives each meal, whether it’s sweet or salty a specific flavor. But this is not the end of it. Mint is amazing when it comes to providing health benefit, too.

Read on to learn the best health benefits that mint has to offer.

1. Digestion

Mint is perfect for helping with indigestion. Mint leaves are packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients that are really good for your stomach. The smell of mint alone helps activate the salivary glands that produce digestive enzymes, enzymes that are crucial to digestion. They relax stomach muscles which reduces the chance of stomach spasms and indigestion.

2. Relieves headaches

The refreshing aroma of mint is also a quick and effective remedy for nausea and headaches. It is a naturally soothing substance that can alleviate headaches simply by rubbing mint oil on your forehead and nose.

3. Decongestant

The strong smell from mint can also clear your nose, throat and lungs when you are congested. If you find you cough a lot, the soothing smell is great for clearing out throat, nose and other respiratory channels. Mint also has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve inflammation along the respiratory tract. Drinking mint tea is perfect for helping you clear your congestion.

4. Stimulates Weight Loss

Because the mint is able to produce digestive enzymes and help with the food processing, it can promote weight loss as well. Make sure to include mint in your diet and turn the fat storage into energy.

5. Triggers the Immune System

Many beneficial nutrients are found in mint leaves, such as phosphorous, calcium, vitamins C, D, E and small amounts of vitamin B complex. All these can stimulate the immunity and make you resistant against infections and colds.

6. Deals with Cancer

One research proved the beneficial mint influence on cancer patients, especially if the cancer was found on the colon, liver, skin and lungs. Because it is full of phytochemicals, mint leaves can cease the blood supply that makes the tumors grow.

7. Gets Rid of Asthma

Since mint leaves are recommended for treating many respiratory diseases, they can also cure asthma. Mint is rich in rosmarinic acid, which offers strong antioxidant benefits, and this prevents the allergy-triggering leukotrienes.

8. Fatigue

A whiff of mint might be all you need to get your brain functioning again because it is a natural stimulant. Smelling mint also helps you feel less stressed and depressed because it relaxes your body and calms your mind. The aroma from mint releases a small amount of serotonin in your brain. So, the next time your brain or mood needs a boost, draw a warm bath and sprinkle fresh mint leaves into the water.

9. Skin care

Not only can mint help with medical issues, it’s also great for clearing up pimples, soothing itchy skin and repelling bugs. You can use it to treat bug bites and stings from mosquitoes, gnats, hornets, wasps and bees. The strong scent also helps keep other bugs away from you.
Mint leaves are full of antioxidants which help give your skin a natural glow. The anti-inflammatroy and anti-bacterial properties found in mint leaves also helps clear up acne.

10. Oral care

Because mint has a ton of anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it is great for your oral health because it stops harmful bacterial growth inside the mouth. It also makes your breath minty fresh! All you have to do is rub a mint leaf directly on your teeth and gums, or chew on the leaves for a few minutes.